Sasanian coinage was produced within the domains of the Iranian Sasanian Empire (224–651). Together with the Roman Empire, the Sasanian Empire was the most important money-issuing polity in Late Antiquity. Sasanian coinage had a significant influence on coinage of other polities. Sasanian coins are a pivotal primary source for the study of the Sasanian period, and of major importance in history and art history in general. The Sylloge nummorum Sasanidarum is the most important primary work of reference for Sasanian coins.
Gold double dēnār of Ardashir I (r. 224–242), struck at the Ctesiphon mint. Obv: Crowned bust of Ardashir I wearing diadem and headdress with korymbos and Middle Persian (Pahlavi) text (mzdysn bgy ’rthštr MRK’n MRK’ ’yr’n MNW ctry MN yzd’). Rev: NWR’ ZY in Middle Persian i.e. Pahlavi to the left of the fire altar, and ’rthštr to the right of the fire altar
A standard Sasanian silver coin, a drachm of Shapur I with the crowned and richly adorned head of the king on the obverse, and the fire altar with its two attendants on the reverse. It was minted in Ctesiphon c.240-244. 28 mm, 4.35 gr.
Silver drahm of Bahram II (r. 274–293). Obv: Crowned bust of Bahram II and his Queen Shapurdukhtak, facing right; a little figure, possibly their son (later known regnally as Bahram III), who wears a bonnet with an eagle's head, faces left, offering them a wreath. Rev: Fire altar with attendants; Faravahar to left of flames, taurus symbol to right
Gold dēnār of Khosrow II (r. 591–628), uncertain mint, dated 611. Obv: Crowned bust of Khosrow II and Middle Persian (Pahlavi) text (GDH ’pzwt’ and hwslwd mlk’n mlk’). Rev: Facing bust of Anahita with flame nimbus and Middle Persian i.e. Pahlavi text (y’cwysty and ’yl’n ’pzwt hwytk’
Bahram I was the fourth Sasanian King of Kings of Iran from 271 to 274. He was the eldest son of Shapur I and succeeded his brother Hormizd I, who had reigned for a year.
Drachma of Bahram I
Gold dinar of Shapur I
A 14th-century illustration of the execution of Mani
The rock relief of Bahram I receiving the royal diadem from the Zoroastrian supreme god Ahura Mazda, at the ancient city of Bishapur.